Vietnam, a country with a vibrant cultural tapestry, is home to various festivals that reflect the deep-rooted traditions and values of its people. One such festival that holds immense cultural significance is the Vu Lan Festival. Known as the Yulan Festival or the Parent's Day, the day is a time when families come together to honor and show gratitude to their ancestors.

Vu Lan Festival - A cultural event in Vietnam

The roots of the Vu Lan Festival can be traced back to the compassionate act of saving one's mother from the underworld by Venerable Mục Kiền Liên. From that point onward, the Yulan Festival has evolved into a commemoration of the kindness received and an expression of filial piety towards parents and ancestors in this life and previous lives. This event takes place on the 14th and 15th days of the lunar calendar every year.

Parent's Day takes place on the full moon of the 7th lunar month every year

Beyond its religious implications, the Vu Lan Festival carries profound meanings that remind the Vietnamese people of their cultural heritage, emphasizing filial piety and reverence for ancestors. As a result, the festival becomes a humanistic celebration, reflecting the spirit of gratitude and reciprocal duty ingrained in Vietnamese culture.

Rituals and customs during the Vu Lan Festival

In the Buddhist beliefs and Vietnamese customs, the annual Vu Lan festival involves many rituals and activities.

Preparing the offering tray

The rituals during this festival follow a specific order: honoring the Buddha, deities, ancestors, and offerings for wandering spirits.

• Offering to the Buddha: The Buddha's altar typically includes vegetarian rice, five fruits, and a ceremonial recitation to pray for merit and to alleviate the karmic burdens of departed ancestors.
• Offering to deities: Offerings to deities may consist of sticky rice, whole-boiled chicken, sticky rice cakes, tea, wine, fruits, fresh flowers, and prayers for the divine protection and well-being of the family.

This festival is a day to show gratitude to ancestors, grandparents, and parents

• Ancestor worship: The ancestral altar, prepared elaborately for Vu Lan's Day, features either vegetarian meals, joss paper, symbolizing respect and a wish for the departed ancestors to enjoy prosperity in the afterlife.
• Offering to wandering spirits: As Vu Lan coincides with the full moon of the 7th lunar month, it often involves offerings to wandering spirits. An outdoor altar is set up with offerings such as thin porridge, salt, fruits, cakes, paper clothes, and joss paper to bring blessings to wandering souls.

"Rose attached to the shirt" ceremony

During the Vu Lan Festival, temples in Vietnam often organize the "Rose attached to the shirt" ceremony. Participants, regardless of age or gender, respectfully receive roses to attach to their attire. Red roses symbolize the presence of living parents, while white roses serve as a remembrance for those who have passed away. The act of pinning these esteemed flowers onto the dress signifies the utmost filial piety that children express towards their parents.

The “Rose attached to the shirt” ceremony has profound human significance

Floating lanterns tradition

The tradition of floating lanterns (thả đèn hoa đăng) has long been an integral part of Vu Lan Festival. This ceremony is essential in Buddhism, signifying the act of praying for the deceased. Each lantern is meticulously designed, with a lit candle placed inside before being released onto the water. Along with the lanterns, well-wishes and prayers for peace are sent forth, creating a serene and meaningful spectacle.

The ritual of releasing lanterns is to pray for merit for parents

Vu Lan Festival is a celebration that encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese culture, emphasizing the values of family, filial piety, and gratitude. For those seeking a transformative cultural experience, consider planning a travel to Vietnam during the Vu Lan Festival. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions, witness the beauty of familial bonds, and participate in the universal celebration of gratitude.